It’s very, very frustrating. I know it doesn’t matter what I do on the training pitch, I won’t be playing at the weekend. If I’m flying around like Clark Kent in goals, I still won’t play on Saturday. That can be demoralising.

Given has intimated that he may look abroad if he does not see action between now and the transfer window in January.

The Ireland number one could be forced to endure the next couple of months frustratingly watching from the sidelines.

Giovanni Trapattoni has already bestowed Given with a glowing endorsement by saying the custodian could play in Italy’s top flight.

A number of years ago, in the documentary Hangin with Hector, Given revealed that he had been learning Spanish, foreseeing that his future might one day lay outside the Premier League.

Over the weekend he told the Sunday Times that he seems to be frozen out of Mancini’s plans.

I’ve never said I want to leave Man City. I believe it’s a big club that in the next couple of years is going to do big things. I want to be part of that but I also want to be playing football.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United manager and former Ireland international Chris Hughton has ruled out a move to bring Shay back to the club in place of the injured Steve Harper.

I can understand that one and it is a very emotional one as well, but no, I can categorically say that won’t be happening.

It is unclear why Given was not allowed to leave Eastlands before the pre-season transfer window ended but Mancini’s lack of communication with his goalkeeper smacks of disrepect.

For now, a player who many regard as world-class must watch from the bench.

Along with their treatment of Richard Dunne, class would seem to be in short supply around Man City these days.